OSHAWA -- Oshawa cyclists are hitting the road in the city's first dedicated cycling lane on the recently upgraded Mary Street.

This isn't Oshawa's first cycling lane, but the three-kilometre southbound lane is the first dedicated lane which means drivers can't park in it. It stretches from Beatrice Street to William Street and passes by O'Neill Collegiate. There is also a bike lane on the northbound section, however cars can park in portions of it.

Melissa Claxton-Oldfield, president of the Oshawa Cycling Club, she welcomed the upgrade to the cycling lanes on the street, pointing out that Mary Street is a busy thoroughfare.

"It's nice to actually have the City recognize cycling, its benefits and the need for safe cycling routes in Oshawa," she said.

It's nice to actually have the City recognize cycl

The bike lanes are clearly marked with signs and with paint on the pavement and there are numerous no parking signs along the route.

The Mary Street reconstruction was a $1.5-million project that included sewer and watermain replacement, new sidewalks, new boulevard trees and traffic calming measures.

Coun. John Aker said the project was a partnership between the City, the Region and local residents.

City officials consider Mary Street to be an important cycling route in Oshawa as it connects the downtown campus for Durham College and UOIT with the larger campus in the north end of the city.

Ms. Claxton-Oldfield said her organization will continue to be at the table in both Oshawa and at the Region of Durham to provide feedback on cycling plans.

"Definitely there's a need for more, Oshawa's slower to come around but we are making some progress," she said.

She calls Oshawa a "car culture" but said with rising gas prices and more people cycling their commute, that's changing.

Earlier this year, Oshawa was named a bronze-status Bicycle Friendly Community by the Share the Road Cycling Coalition and the City is currently working on a long-term cycling strategy.

"Cycling is no longer just for recreation as many use bicycles as their primary means of transport and it is important to make it as easy and safe as possible for cyclists to get around our city," said Coun. Bob Chapman.

The Province is also looking at cycling and has released a draft cycling strategy for public feedback. The document is available through Ontario's Environmental Registry at www.ebr.gov.on.ca.

The document discusses the creation of a provincial cycling network, supporting municipalities in developing local cycling networks, public education campaigns, updates to the Driver's Handbook and more.

Residents have until Jan. 29 to submit their comments.

Reporter Reka Szekely covers the City of Oshawa for Metroland Media Group’s Durham Region Division. Reka's social media column appears every other week. Contact her on Facebook, Twitter (@rszekely)